Masa Israel Journey Blog

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business with degrees in Marketing and Risk Management & Insurance, I wasn’t sure what my next step in life would be. Having participated the previous year on the study abroad program, Semester at Sea, and visiting 14 different countries while circumnavigating the globe on a ship, I knew one thing for sure. I wanted to spend more time abroad. However, I wasn’t looking to teach English or do volunteer work. It was very important to me to partake in something worthwhile; something where I can gain useful experience and apply some of the concepts I studied in college.

Growing up in a conservative Jewish family which has always been involved in pro-Israel organizations, I became involved with AIPAC, America’s leading pro-Israel...

“I am standing here today as a member of the Australian Jewish youth whose gap year in Israel, in my case IBC, is coming to a close. I could spend hours talking about how this experience has changed me as an individual as well as a collective part of Israeli and Australian society, however what I wish to share with you today, in my eyes means much, much more.

This ceremony here in Be’er Sheva signifies the meeting of two time periods and two cultures. We are here commemorating and celebrating the heroism and valour of...